NDLEA Dismantles Adamawa Drug Networks in Massive December Sweep

The streets of Yola and the surrounding hinterlands of Adamawa State have witnessed a seismic shift in the war against narcotics this December. In a series of high-stakes, intelligence-led raids, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted nearly 1.4 tons of illicit substances. This aggressive crackdown, which targeted both urban distribution hubs and rural cultivation sites, resulted in the apprehension of 150 suspects, marking one of the most significant blows to organized drug trafficking in the region’s recent history.

Addressing a press conference themed around the urgent need to “Expose a Drug Dealer Today,” the Adamawa State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Aliyu Abubakar, detailed the sheer scale of the operation. He revealed that the agency’s net had cast wide, sweeping through the Yola International Airport and various notorious drug “joints” across the state. The haul was diverse and deadly, including 353kg of cannabis sativa, a staggering 983kg of high-potency Tramadol, and over 60kg of various other synthetic opioids.

This intensive campaign was not merely about seizures but about dismantling the entire logistics chain of the trade. Operatives successfully impounded vehicles used for transporting the consignments, effectively grounding the mobility of several local syndicates. Beyond the urban centers, the agency’s boots hit the ground in the rugged terrains of Lamurde, Toungo, and Mubi-North, where they identified and cleared an entire hectare of hidden cannabis farmlands. This proactive destruction of raw materials at the source prevents thousands of doses from ever reaching the vulnerable youth of the state.

The judiciary has also played a critical role in this month’s offensive. Commander Abubakar confirmed that the legal wing of the command has already secured six convictions within this short window, with another 53 cases currently being prosecuted in court. In a move to hit traffickers where it hurts most—their pockets—the agency secured the forfeiture of assets and valuables worth over N163,000 to the Federal Government. These legal victories serve as a stern warning that the trade in illicit substances in Adamawa is becoming an increasingly expensive and losing venture.

However, the NDLEA’s approach in December has been balanced with a deep sense of social responsibility. Recognizing that many caught in the web of drugs are victims of addiction rather than masterminds of crime, the command provided counseling and rehabilitation services to 39 individuals. This dual strategy of enforcement and empathy is part of the broader “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) initiative, which saw six separate sensitization programs launched across the state this month to educate citizens on the perils of narcotic dependence.

Abubakar was quick to attribute these tactical successes to the overarching vision of the agency’s national leadership. He noted that the “no-nonsense” philosophy championed by the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brigadier-General Mohamed Marwa, has injected a new sense of urgency into state commands. The focus on proactive intelligence rather than reactive policing has allowed officers to intercept shipments before they are broken down for retail, cutting off the supply at its most concentrated point.

The battle, however, is far from over, and the commander emphasized that the government cannot do it alone. He issued a passionate appeal to the traditional and religious pillars of Adamawa society, urging them to use their pulpits and community platforms to decry drug dealing. He framed the fight as a collective struggle for the future of the state’s youth, noting that community-provided tips are the lifeblood of successful intelligence operations. Without the cooperation of the public, the shadow economy of drugs would continue to find dark corners to hide in.

Logistical support from the state government has also been a game-changer for the command’s mobility. Abubakar expressed deep appreciation to Governor Ahmadu Fintiri for the recent donation of two brand-new operational vehicles. These assets have already been integrated into the patrol fleets, allowing operatives to respond more rapidly to tips and conduct surveillance in previously hard-to-reach areas. This synergy between the state executive and the federal agency has created a formidable front against crime.

As the year draws to a close, the NDLEA in Adamawa is not resting on its laurels. The commander made it clear that the momentum gathered in December will be carried into the new year. The message to the drug underworld is unequivocal: the agency is watching, the community is talking, and the space for illicit trade is shrinking daily. For the parents and teachers of Adamawa, these figures represent more than just statistics; they represent a significant step toward a safer, cleaner environment for the next generation.